Mahfud Md Asserts Ban on Mass Eid Prayer during Pandemic
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May 19, 2020 | 02:40 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud Md asserted the government’s policy stating that religious activities leading to mass gatherings such as Eid al-Fitr prayer in mosques or fields are prohibited during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mahfud explained the restriction is in line with the Health Ministerial Regulation No. 9/2020 on the Large-Scale Social Restriction or PSBB and Law No. 6/2018 on quarantine. This decision was made during today’s limited meeting on the preparation of Eid or Lebaran chaired by President Jokowi.
“Religious activities that gather people are restricted as mandated in law. So, the government appeals to the public to not violate the policy,” stressed Mahfud via a teleconference after the limited meeting, Tuesday, May 19.
Mahfud Md went on to say that the government demanded religious figures, religious organizations, and indigenous leaders to convince the community that this year’s Eid al-Fitr prayer is banned by law.
“This is not because of the prayer, but this is part of efforts to curb and contain the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
DEWI NURITA
